American Idol Round of 9: A Horseplayer's Perspective

[brianwspencer]

Blake
I get the feeling that it's going to become more apparent that his vocal abilities are not quite up to par with some of the girls. He's consistent and he's good. I think the thing he's got going for him after a night like tonight is the concept of the "whole package," because he's a good singer, a good looking guy, and arguably the "coolest" of all of the contestants. That may continue to carry him through the next few rounds even when his vocal isn't anything to write home about, which I assume will be the case again tonight once the rest of the performers are through.

Final Score: 7.0 phone-in votes

Phil
I really wish that his hitting that one big note at the end of every song would stop saving him. It was boring, it was bland, it was uninspiring, I could simply not point to a single part of this performance of which I was a fan. Then, he added in the "focus on my wife" thing. He needed that. Nothing like an "Aw, shucks, awwwwwww," moment to try to get some sympathy votes. If that's all the energy he could muster up while "focusing on his wife" during a big love song, I'd hate to see what married life is like for those two. Ten bucks says she becomes the world's biggest cockblock after tonight's performance.

Final Score: 5.5 phone-in votes

Melinda
I need to just start copying and pasting what I write about her. It's all superlatives. Can anyone who watches honestly remember her ever hitting a single note that was off in any way? She's flawless, she's a performer, and she absolutely deserves every ounce of praise that's been coming her way during this season. There is really nothing here not to like, once again. It wasn't my favorite performance of hers, but it was still perfect and it was still better than anyone else here.

Final Score: 10.0 phone-in votes.....yet again.

Chris R.
I guess I can't believe that he dressed the way he did. This week (or its similar counterpart of old classic songs) always calls for an extra bit of class. I've said all along that I think he's trashy, and coming out in jeans and the vest from my Senior Prom tuxedo seemed a bit tacky. With that said, the vocal didn't bother me as much as most weeks. I think that outcome is more a result of the song choice than that I actually like him, because this song doesn't lend itself to lots of appalling whining throughout. It wasn't awful, for someone who I generally consider to be pretty awful.

Final Score: 7.5 phone-in votes

Jordin
I've absolutely loved watching my audition favorite blossom into a true bonafide contender in this competition. Her vocals seem to just get better and better with every week, and tonight was no exception. She was totally on from start to finish. I found it funny that Simon commented that she didn't make it "young & fun," as about 25 seconds prior to him saying that, I had written on my paper, "made it young and fun." I completely disagree and I thought it was just exuding fun and showing her personality once again. She's making a habit of singing great and being the second best performer each week behind Melinda. Thus far, this week looks like that will be the case again.

Final Score: 9.5 phone-in votes

Gina
It was okay. She's really prone to being hot or cold week to week. This week was right in the middle. It paints me to put her on par with Chris R., but I must. Uninspiring, but not bad.

Final Score: 7.5 phone-in votes

Sanjaya
Oh man, what to even say. In his defense, I figured this week would fit his vocals perfectly. They aren't powerful, and this week has lots of opportunities for understated vocals. I think that from listening to the chatter about him in the last month or so, there are things about him that I do like. I love that he's seventeen years old and really doesn't seem fazed by the fact that half of America hates him and would be happy to never hear from him again. He seems to be enjoying the hell out of himself, and having a really good time. Vocally, tonight was not half bad. I would hesitate to label it anything above average, but for Sanjaya, an average night is like reaching the top of Everest. I'm hardly warming up to him, but I think that the vocal was passable, if unspectacular.

Final Score: 6.5 phone-in votes (Jordan just came over and said "you rated him a whole point above Phil?!" I can understand the criticism, but let's break it down. Sanjaya is notoriously bad to average. Phil is notoriously bad to average. They hit about the same number of notes tonight. Regardless of the fact that Phil's good notes were better than Sanjaya's, Sanjaya had lots of fun and didn't seem to be channeling a deathwish for his wife during the performance, so yes...I stand by my highly effective phone-in votes ranking system.)

Haley
First, quit it with the stairs. Stand up on your own two legs, you've got them for a reason. The "start on the stairs" performance is good, one time per season per contestant. That said, she played her angle tonight. Her two best performances have come when she's played up the sort of "sexy kitten" aspect. While I'm not a huge advocate of something like that being the basis for one's "talent," I think she holds a distinct edge here because she's the only girl in this competition who has "got it," so to speak. She's the only one who can pull that image off, and she'd be well served to slut herself up and tramp it out every week because it's her big edge. The vocal was good. Another in a line of good, if unspectacular vocals, but with her image tonight the song worked great for her.

Final Score: 7.5 phone-in votes

Lakisha
She's suffering from Phil Stacey syndrome tonight. She was very suspect at the beginning. Very suspect, and then she went on in the song and recovered with the huge notes. Those huge notes generally wash away the bad taste from the rough start, ie why Phil has stuck around this far. It wasn't a bad performance, but I wish that those huge endings would stop making people forget about the rough beginnings. She's a great singer, for sure. But she's pigeonholed as that girl with the huge voice. Those types never win this competition, and she is not going to be the one to end that streak.

Final Score: 8.0 phone-in votes.

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

Blake
I get the feeling that it's going to become more apparent that his vocal abilities are not quite up to par with some of the girls. He's consistent and he's good. I think the thing he's got going for him after a night like tonight is the concept of the "whole package," because he's a good singer, a good looking guy, and arguably the "coolest" of all of the contestants. That may continue to carry him through the next few rounds even when his vocal isn't anything to write home about, which I assume will be the case again tonight once the rest of the performers are through.

Final Score: 7.0 phone-in votes

Phil
I really wish that his hitting that one big note at the end of every song would stop saving him. It was boring, it was bland, it was uninspiring, I could simply not point to a single part of this performance of which I was a fan. Then, he added in the "focus on my wife" thing. He needed that. Nothing like an "Aw, shucks, awwwwwww," moment to try to get some sympathy votes. If that's all the energy he could muster up while "focusing on his wife" during a big love song, I'd hate to see what married life is like for those two. Ten bucks says she becomes the world's biggest cockblock after tonight's performance.

Final Score: 5.5 phone-in votes

Melinda
I need to just start copying and pasting what I write about her. It's all superlatives. Can anyone who watches honestly remember her ever hitting a single note that was off in any way? She's flawless, she's a performer, and she absolutely deserves every ounce of praise that's been coming her way during this season. There is really nothing here not to like, once again. It wasn't my favorite performance of hers, but it was still perfect and it was still better than anyone else here.

Final Score: 10.0 phone-in votes.....yet again.

Chris R.
I guess I can't believe that he dressed the way he did. This week (or its similar counterpart of old classic songs) always calls for an extra bit of class. I've said all along that I think he's trashy, and coming out in jeans and the vest from my Senior Prom tuxedo seemed a bit tacky. With that said, the vocal didn't bother me as much as most weeks. I think that outcome is more a result of the song choice than that I actually like him, because this song doesn't lend itself to lots of appalling whining throughout. It wasn't awful, for someone who I generally consider to be pretty awful.

Final Score: 7.5 phone-in votes

Jordin
I've absolutely loved watching my audition favorite blossom into a true bonafide contender in this competition. Her vocals seem to just get better and better with every week, and tonight was no exception. She was totally on from start to finish. I found it funny that Simon commented that she didn't make it "young & fun," as about 25 seconds prior to him saying that, I had written on my paper, "made it young and fun." I completely disagree and I thought it was just exuding fun and showing her personality once again. She's making a habit of singing great and being the second best performer each week behind Melinda. Thus far, this week looks like that will be the case again.

Final Score: 9.5 phone-in votes

Gina
It was okay. She's really prone to being hot or cold week to week. This week was right in the middle. It paints me to put her on par with Chris R., but I must. Uninspiring, but not bad.

Final Score: 7.5 phone-in votes

Sanjaya
Oh man, what to even say. In his defense, I figured this week would fit his vocals perfectly. They aren't powerful, and this week has lots of opportunities for understated vocals. I think that from listening to the chatter about him in the last month or so, there are things about him that I do like. I love that he's seventeen years old and really doesn't seem fazed by the fact that half of America hates him and would be happy to never hear from him again. He seems to be enjoying the hell out of himself, and having a really good time. Vocally, tonight was not half bad. I would hesitate to label it anything above average, but for Sanjaya, an average night is like reaching the top of Everest. I'm hardly warming up to him, but I think that the vocal was passable, if unspectacular.

Final Score: 6.5 phone-in votes (Jordan just came over and said "you rated him a whole point above Phil?!" I can understand the criticism, but let's break it down. Sanjaya is notoriously bad to average. Phil is notoriously bad to average. They hit about the same number of notes tonight. Regardless of the fact that Phil's good notes were better than Sanjaya's, Sanjaya had lots of fun and didn't seem to be channeling a deathwish for his wife during the performance, so yes...I stand by my highly effective phone-in votes ranking system.)

Haley
First, quit it with the stairs. Stand up on your own two legs, you've got them for a reason. The "start on the stairs" performance is good, one time per season per contestant. That said, she played her angle tonight. Her two best performances have come when she's played up the sort of "sexy kitten" aspect. While I'm not a huge advocate of something like that being the basis for one's "talent," I think she holds a distinct edge here because she's the only girl in this competition who has "got it," so to speak. She's the only one who can pull that image off, and she'd be well served to slut herself up and tramp it out every week because it's her big edge. The vocal was good. Another in a line of good, if unspectacular vocals, but with her image tonight the song worked great for her.

Final Score: 7.5 phone-in votes

Lakisha
She's suffering from Phil Stacey syndrome tonight. She was very suspect at the beginning. Very suspect, and then she went on in the song and recovered with the huge notes. Those huge notes generally wash away the bad taste from the rough start, ie why Phil has stuck around this far. It wasn't a bad performance, but I wish that those huge endings would stop making people forget about the rough beginnings. She's a great singer, for sure. But she's pigeonholed as that girl with the huge voice. Those types never win this competition, and she is not going to be the one to end that streak.

Final Score: 8.0 phone-in votes.

And you were busting me on my "Wrestlemania" thread!

"That's a tough one. But I predict it will be stupid and boring and I also predict that I won't be watching."

[Cajungator26]

Yet again, Sanjaya licks the twins.

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

And you were busting me on my "Wrestlemania" thread!

"That's a tough one. But I predict it will be stupid and boring and I also predict that I won't be watching."

Ha, that's why I said "touché" when you mentioned American Idol, because you had me there and I admitted it then

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

Ha, that's why I said "touché" when you mentioned American Idol, because you had me there and I admitted it then

"After I finish saying that I still think it's stupid"

It's all good!

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

HHH your signature is massive.

I know..a little bit of overkill?

How's this...

[somerfrost]

Well, I figured that I would be different from Brian this week...but as it turns out, not so much:
9) Phil...a horrid performance, the judges said he sang like he was at a funeral...I agree, HIS FUNERAL! Night and Day is a love song...he was singing to a corpse!
8) Blake...I admit that I simply don't care for Blake, I think his voice is limited and his song presentation dishonest. Mack The Knife is a song that needs to be felt while singing...he made it into bubble gum...hated it!!
7) Sanjaya...his best performance so far, white suit and slicked-back hair gave him a touch of class, dancing with Paula a nice touch...Cheek to Cheek a good choice...certainly NOT the worst performance of the night!
6) Gina...Charlie Chaplin's Smile...great song! A safe performance but she suffers when compared to the three big voices of Melinda, Jordin and LaKisha.
5) Chris R...still not fond of his voice, agree he slummed it up but overall his best performance. Mr Saturday Dance or Don't Get Around Much Anymore...never remember the song title.
4) Lakisha...she was off key at the beginning, big finish but another subpar performance for her. Stormy Weather should have been better!
3) Haley...OK, you either like her or not...Ain't Misbehaving a perfect choice. Judges were unimpressed but I thought she was hot. She plays the sex kitten thing so effortlessly, those little body movements and facial expressions seem natural for her...she is a performer! One I really enjoy watching! Vocals were excellent this week I thought...she's probably at risk but shouldn't be!
2) Jordin...On A Clear Day not the best choice, she's hot with straight hair...should go back to that look! Vocals were...well, perfect! Unbelievable poise for a 17 year old, clearly second best now!
1) Melinda...the things she did vocally in the last half of I've Got Rhythm were simply amazing! Flawless performance...electric!!! This year's Idol!

[Grits]

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

Ha, that's why I said "touché" when you mentioned American Idol, because you had me there and I admitted it then

I don't know jack about American Idol, I don't watch it. Obviously you do.

To change the subject for a moment, aside from differing opinions with you that are now in place. I tell others, regardless, when I appreciate something about them. When I learn that they are exceptional in a particular way, learning they have a gift, a talent.

Late this afternoon, I went to a www.myspace.com page for only the second time, the other being my niece's page years ago.

Your vocal and acoustic guitar performance of the song that you wrote is beautiful. Very much so.

Our opinions differ and that is fine, still I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your music and hope that you'll continue with it.

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

I think you should go bigger, not smaller.

You what they say...BIGGER is better!

[ArlJim78]

The thing about this season is that we already know who the winner is/ or should be, and I really see nothing stopping her. Melinda is an absolute real talent. All of the others have some degree of foibles.

Generally I agree with Brian's assesment.

I see Blake and Lakisha sliding a bit from the upper levels, while Jordin manages I think to gradually keep growing. You're right BWS that Blake doesn't really have the voice but he's cool and usually looks comfortable in how he expresses himself.

The others are simply waiting for their number to not come up.

Hunch: Gina or Phil might be in trouble this week based on lackluster performances.

My pick to win it is Jordin. Melinda is not an amateur. It's BS that she's on the show. Plus she has no neck and that bugs me.

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by Grits

I don't know jack about American Idol, I don't watch it. Obviously you do.

To change the subject for a moment, aside from differing opinions with you that are now in place. I tell others, regardless, when I appreciate something about them. When I learn that they are exceptional in a particular way, learning they have a gift, a talent.

Late this afternoon, I went to a www.myspace.com page for only the second time, the other being my niece's page years ago.

Your vocal and acoustic guitar performance of the song that you wrote is beautiful. Very much so.

Our opinions differ and that is fine, still I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your music and hope that you'll continue with it.

I appreciate that. My beef with your comments has nothing to do with you as a person, as I expressed the other night. Never has, never will. Anyone else would have received the very same comments of mine.

So, thank you.

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

My pick to win it is Jordin. Melinda is not an amateur. It's BS that she's on the show. Plus she has no neck and that bugs me.

Jordin is the type that will make me ACTUALLY vote if she gets to the final four.

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

My pick to win it is Jordin. Melinda is not an amateur. It's BS that she's on the show. Plus she has no neck and that bugs me.

I think Melinda is attractive enough, she has a great smile and this "no neck" stuff is getting old (it's all over the net)...I don't understand the amateur stuff either...most if not all these folks have been singing most of their lives, voice coaches, singing in bands etc...going from being a backup singer who's job is to NOT be noticed and to make the lead look and sound good to being front and center is a huge step and more than makes up for on-stage experience. To me, it's a way of being critical of someone who allows no criticism by her performance!

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

I think Melinda is attractive enough, she has a great smile and this "no neck" stuff is getting old (it's all over the net)...I don't understand the amateur stuff either...most if not all these folks have been singing most of their lives, voice coaches, singing in bands etc...going from being a backup singer who's job is to NOT be noticed and to make the lead look and sound good to being front and center is a huge step and more than makes up for on-stage experience. To me, it's a way of being critical of someone who allows no criticism by her performance!

Melinda has all the qualities of all the backup singers I've ever met. That is, they're perfect vocally and never fail to fire, which in a big venue, is unacceptable.

She's made the remarkable transition to being the center of attention. I've loved watching it.

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

Melinda has all the qualities of all the backup singers I've ever met. That is, they're perfect vocally and never fail to fire, which in a big venue, is unacceptable.

She's made the remarkable transition to being the center of attention. I've loved watching it.

I agree! That lack of self-confidence and genuine surprise when Simon and the others praise her is NOT an act! Somehow, she is able to transform herself on stage leaving that doubt behind when the first note sounds!

Originally Posted by somerfrost

I think Melinda is attractive enough, she has a great smile and this "no neck" stuff is getting old (it's all over the net)...I don't understand the amateur stuff either...most if not all these folks have been singing most of their lives, voice coaches, singing in bands etc...going from being a backup singer who's job is to NOT be noticed and to make the lead look and sound good to being front and center is a huge step and more than makes up for on-stage experience. To me, it's a way of being critical of someone who allows no criticism by her performance!

She was a backup singer for a reason. After Taylor Hicks' album bombed the last thing the show needs is another winner who can't sell records. Whether you like it or not the music industry is all style and no substance. Jordin is marketable. She's young, pretty, has a great personality and can sing. Melinda is older, not so pretty, shy and can sing.

Simon is looking for Melinda to make a mistake because she's not going to be a star. You can tell he's pulling for Jordin because she has the most potential to be one.

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

She was a backup singer for a reason. After Taylor Hicks' album bombed the last thing the show needs is another winner who can't sell records. Whether you like it or not the music industry is all style and no substance. Jordin is marketable. She's young, pretty, has a great personality and can sing. Melinda is older, not so pretty, shy and can sing.

Simon is looking for Melinda to make a mistake because she's not going to be a star. You can tell he's pulling for Jordin because she has the most potential to be one.

Melinda is full of star quality. I think that Jordin would sell more records, but Melinda is hardly a toss because of age or style. I'm not saying she'll win (even though she should), but she's as worthy as any of these.

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

She was a backup singer for a reason. After Taylor Hicks' album bombed the last thing the show needs is another winner who can't sell records. Whether you like it or not the music industry is all style and no substance. Jordin is marketable. She's young, pretty, has a great personality and can sing. Melinda is older, not so pretty, shy and can sing.

Simon is looking for Melinda to make a mistake because she's not going to be a star. You can tell he's pulling for Jordin because she has the most potential to be one.

Seriously, have you seen her perform? On stage she's a dynamo...all that shyness disappears while she's performing! I'm a huge fan of Jordin's too but I'd never say that Melinda lacks star quality!

Originally Posted by somerfrost

Seriously, have you seen her perform? On stage she's a dynamo...all that shyness disappears while she's performing! I'm a huge fan of Jordin's too but I'd never say that Melinda lacks star quality!

Ruben Studdard was a great performer too but he was 500 fricken pounds!! There are lots of great singers/performers that don't make it big. Why? More than likely because they don't have the look. If this girl was so good you figure someone in the industry would've signed her by now considering how many major artists she sang backup for.

Oh whatever i'm not going to waste anymore time with this. Jordin is better and it's unfortunate she has to compete against someone who's been in the industry for 7 years.